The Foundational Post-Quantum Credential
The PQCS certification validates that you possess the technical knowledge and applied skills to assess an organization’s cryptographic posture, evaluate post-quantum algorithm options, and contribute to PQC migration planning. It is the foundational credential in the Quantum Academy post-quantum certification program and the required gateway to all specialized post-quantum certifications.
What PQCS Certifies
A PQCS credential holder has demonstrated the ability to:
- Conduct a cryptographic inventory and produce a Cryptographic Bill of Materials (CBOM) using structured discovery methodology across code, certificates, protocols, and third-party dependencies
- Evaluate NIST standardized PQC algorithms — ML-KEM (formerly CRYSTALS-Kyber), ML-DSA (formerly CRYSTALS-Dilithium), SLH-DSA (formerly SPHINCS+), and FN-DSA (formerly FALCON) — for specific deployment scenarios based on performance, key sizes, and security assumptions
- Assess hybrid implementation approaches for key exchange and digital signatures, including the engineering tradeoffs between concatenation, combiner, and nested approaches
- Analyze PQC migration requirements across common protocols (TLS 1.3, SSH, IPsec, S/MIME, code signing, PKI)
- Apply risk assessment frameworks to prioritize cryptographic assets for migration based on quantum exposure, business criticality, and migration complexity
- Develop a structured PQC migration roadmap using the PQC Migration Framework methodology
- Apply cryptographic agility principles to system design and architecture planning
Who Earns the PQCS
The PQCS is designed for security professionals, IT architects, developers, systems engineers, and technical consultants who are or will be involved in PQC migration efforts. Typical candidates include security engineers, security analysts, application security specialists, infrastructure architects, network security engineers, DevSecOps engineers, and technical consultants working in cybersecurity or cryptography.
Path to PQCS
The PQCS requires a structured learning path and a proctored certification exam:
- Complete the Post-Quantum Foundation course (certificate of attendance required)
- Complete the Post-Quantum Certified Specialist (PQCS) Training course (online self-paced, live online, or in-person)
- Pass the PQCS certification exam
Exam Format
- Proctored exam administered online with a live proctor, or in person at authorized testing centers worldwide
- Multiple choice and scenario-based questions testing applied competence, not just theoretical knowledge
- Scenarios cover realistic PQC migration decisions: algorithm selection, inventory prioritization, hybrid implementation choices, and migration planning tradeoffs
- Results delivered promptly after completion
Certification Details
- Digital badge issued upon certification, verifiable at pqcs.pro
- Post-nominal designation: PQCS
- Annual maintenance fee: US$149 (covers all active Quantum Academy credentials)
- Recertification required through continuing education credits (36 CPEs per three-year cycle) or re-examination (US$399)
- CPE-based renewal is included in the annual maintenance fee
What PQCS Leads To
PQCS is the prerequisite for three specialized post-quantum certifications. Each focuses on a distinct professional role in PQC migration:
- PQCM — Post-Quantum Certified Manager — Leading and governing PQC migration programs
- PQCA — Post-Quantum Certified Architect — Designing PQC migration solutions
- PQCV — Post-Quantum Certified Validator — Verifying and testing PQC implementations
Professionals who earn all three specialized certifications are automatically awarded PQCX — Post-Quantum Certified Expert at no additional cost.
Pricing
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| PQCS exam only | US$599 |
| Online training + exam bundle | US$2,399 |
| In-person training + exam bundle | US$3,399 |
| Foundation → PQCS online bundle (Foundation + training + exam) | US$2,649 |
| Foundation → PQCS in-person bundle (Foundation + training + exam) | US$3,599 |
Verify a PQCS Credential Holder
To verify whether an individual holds an active PQCS certification, send the candidate’s full name to validation@quantumacademy.com. We will confirm the credential status by return email.
The PQCS is a private professional credential issued by Quantum Academy, a trade name of Post-Quantum Institute, Inc. It is not a government-issued license, an accredited degree, or academic credit. Earning the PQCS does not guarantee employment, promotion, or any specific professional outcome.